This study aims to quantify wave attenuation by a series of parallel submerged reef structures, representative for designs used in recent shellfish reef restoration efforts in Australia and the US. Experiments (1:10 scale) were carried out in a 54-m-long wave flume with a range of wave conditions, water depths and reef designs. Overall, the results of this study show that, while situated in relatively deep water, these reefs can reduce incident wave energy and orbital velocities considerably, in particular for relatively high waves in relatively shallow water, and have the potential to be considered in nature-based coastal defense strategies.
